"It would be difficult to find a couple as totally entrenched in Burgundy as Dennis and Ellie. They have spent a lifetime delivering authentic experiences to countless travelers. I can't imagine anyone who will work harder to bring the best examples of terroir driven Burgundy to your cellar."DC Flynt MW

"Elden Wine is a great continuing source of high quality, small production burgundies. Each year there is something for everyone in both red and white village wines through grand crus. This is a wonderful source of wines for the Burgundy lover".Ted Ardell

"I’ve had the pleasure of buying Elden Wines for more than a decade. They know the producers and market excellent wines you can’t get here, and at reasonable prices. I’m excited to see them moving to the internet."John Surrick

"Dennis Sherman has an intimate insider’s knowledge about Burgundy. Based in the region for over twenty years, he has a great understanding of everything Burgundian, from the appellations and the wines to the history and the personalities as well as a keen appreciation of just what makes these wines so great. "Charles Curtis MW

"My husband and I have been enthusiastic customers of Elden wine from its inception. He always wanted to save the wine for special occasions, I always wanted it to make an occasion special."Carol McGowan

“My connections with Dennis and Ellie go back to their Papillon days in the late 80's, and I've been purchasing wines from ELDEN since their beginnings in 1995. Dennis's connections with the small vintners and his local knowledge of Burgundy, has allowed us to import fantastic wines not always available here in the states. His wine notes and blog, keep us informed of his personal tastings and how individual vintners are handling current conditions. ELDEN has given us our personal taster, contact and buyer in Burgundy!”David Fenwick

“I was in Burgundy in the summer of 1996. I heard of a young man who wanted to export small acreage produced burgundy. I signed on as customer #5 in 1997. I have never been disappointed in Dennis Sherman in any way, shape or form. It is a delight to do business with Elden Wines.”William D. Melton

Capitain-Gagnerot Saint Romain 'Au Bas de Poillange' 2011

This parcel of Saint Romain ‘Au Bas de Poillange’ is relatively new to the Maison Capitain, and it has become the pet project of Patrice’s son, Pierre-Francois, who works it with strict organic methods. What’s most interesting is that the Capitains know well the minerality of the Corton Mountain. But this Saint Romain is something new, something all its own. Floral with racy stony freshness, and a crisp acidity over density, this is a lovely wine. It’s a tiny production of about 3000 bottles a year.

$39.00/Bottle

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Anybody who has followed us since our start in early 1996 knows the Maison Capitain-Gagnerot in Ladoix-Serrigny. We have seen three generation now. Roger Capitain was our first mentor in Burgundy, and we learned our craft leaning against a wine barrel, soaking up his wisdom and discussing his inimitable wines. His sons Patrice and Michel, and now Patrice's son Pierre Francois (the whole family, really), carry on a tradition that is most easily described as a style. There is no mistaking a Capitain wine. Once you know it, you can pick one out just in the bouquet. It's a purity. And it's our benchmark in Burgundy.

SAINT ROMAINCOTE DE BEAUNE

Saint Romain stands at the foot of an impressive rock outcrop, with a magnificent view out over the Saone River valley and across the vineyards below. Because of this commanding position, there have been settlements on this spot since early pre-historic times. And so some of the earliest plantations of vines were in this protected narrow valley, just off-line from the main escarpment of the Côte d’Or to the west of Auxey-Duresses. Above and beyond the village are vineyards classified Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Appellation Saint Romain can be either white or red, and the grapes are the traditional Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Produced in the commune of Saint Romain, the appellation Saint Romain has no premiers or grands crus. However, many wines mention the name of the single-vineyard (climat) from which they originate.

Wines

There are several distinct soil zones in the valley leading up to the village of Saint Romain. Coming up the valley from Auxey-Duresses, vines on the left are apt to be Pinot Noir. On the right in a south-facing amphitheater, you find the majority of the village vineyards. And here there is a distinct difference in soil make up, with the hills flanking to the left being better for Chardonnay. Traditionally, Saint Romain was white, but producers have found parcels that work well for Pinot, so that today white accounts for about 55% of the production.

Pinot Noir shows itself as ruby red in youth with red fruit notes of raspberry and cherry. These wines drink well young, especially in riper years, with forward fruit and spicy mineral notes. They have aging potential up to 10 years.

Terroirs

Notably higher (at between 350-410 meters) and cooler than the rest of the Cote d’Or, these vineyards have the potential to produce a style of Burgundy all their own. With a very interesting mix of geologic strata based on lias from the earliest Jurassic period, we get swirls of limestone and marl, notably calcaire actif that is particularly interesting for Chardonnay and produces a specific minerality completely different from other zones of white Burgundy production.

The freshness in the minerality of Saint Romain white makes it a perfect aperitif wine. But it also lends itself to preparations similar to those you choose for Chablis. Escargot, goat cheese, shellfish in general and oysters in particular. Saint Romain reds can be elegant and velvety, but are often most appreciated for the lustiness of youth. Perfumed and spicy, it goes well with white meats and veal, and roasted birds.

Appellations

The following are village climats:

Au Bas de Poillange

Combe Bazin

En Chevrot

En Gollot

En Poillange

L'Argillat

La Croix Neuve

La Périère

Le Dos d'Ane

Le Jarron

Le Marsain

Le Village Bas

Le Village Haut

Sous la Velle

Sous le Château

Sous Roche

BURGUNDY 2011

2011 is notable not just because it was an early harvest, but because of its wacky weather. While the East Coast of the US was sweltering in 100°+ at the end of July, Burgundians were wearing sweaters wondering what the heck was happening. We'd just been through a couple of weeks of way-too- much rain and sub-70° temperatures that had followed three months of no rain and the sort of heat you would expect in August. It was an early spring jump-start for the vines, which flowered precociously. First calculations had the harvest beginning in the latter half of August. Bountiful fruit set beautifully, with just a touch of millerandage to give the grapes space to grow and keep the bunches well aerated. At that point, there was no risk of mildew, and treatments could be kept to a minimum. Aside from cursing the expected early harvest (meaning, no vacation this year), the growers were thrilled. But as the rain continued into August, followed by a worrying stormy period, suddenly everyone was looking at the sky. No one was worried...not yet. But we really needed some sun soon. The harvest projection got pushed into early September. But even early September is early. So a lot of intuition went into determining the date of the harvest: to wait or not to wait? This was the question that all of Burgundy was asking in the last weeks of August. The harvest was ultimately spread out across several weeks, with parcels harvested as they came to maturity. Sunshine and dry conditions in September rewarded those who were patient.

Chardonnay

The whites have aromatic purity, with clear, frank aromas of citrus fruits and delicate floral notes. A good level of acidity makes the wines fresh and expressive. Good balance, pleasant roundness, and a notable expression of terroir. Maturity will bring complexity to these wines, but they are enjoyable young.

Pinot Noir

These are seductive wines with a intense color. There is a broad range of aromas: fresh red fruits with soft, spicy notes. Good balance with round supple tannins. The potential for laying down the wine will vary depending on the appellation and the producer. However, this is a very pleasant and charming vintage which will be enjoyable young.